Safer treatment for deep-seated tumors
Physicist develops next-generation cancer photodrug

Date:
September 30, 2021
Source:
University of Texas at Arlington
Summary:
Scientists have detailed the effects of copper cysteamine, a next-
generation cancer photo-drug.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
Wei Chen, professor of physics at The University of Texas at Arlington,
is the senior author of two papers detailing the effects of copper
cysteamine, a next- generation cancer photodrug invented in Chen's
laboratory.


==========================================================================
The first article, "A new type of cuprous-cysteamine sensitizers:
Synthesis, optical properties and potential applications," was
published in Materials Today Physics. It reports that copper cysteamine photosensitizers, or light- activated molecules, exhibit a range of
luminescent properties, allowing them to produce more reactive oxygen
species that kill cancer cells.

The second, "Study of copper-cysteamine based X-ray induced photodynamic therapy and its effects on cancer cell proliferation and migration
in a clinical mimic setting," was published in the journal Bioactive
Materials. The study reports that copper cysteamine inhibits the
proliferation of deep-seated tumor cells and minimizes toxic side effects associated with cancer treatment that impact healthy cells.

Nil Kanatha Pandey, a Ph.D. student in Chen's lab, is among the coauthors
of both papers.

Treating hard-to-reach tumors With the development of nanotechnology, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has become a promising alternative to
traditional cancer treatments. PDT combines photosensitive molecules,
or photosensitizers, with light at the site of a tumor to produce a
powerful oxygen species that destroys cancer cells.



========================================================================== However, light-induced PDT, including ultraviolet, visible and
near-infrared light bands, has poor penetration in human tissue. The
deeper that a tumor is buried in tissue, the less effective PDT becomes.

Chen's next-generation photosensitizer produces reactive oxygen species
from stimulation not only by general light, but also by ultrasound,
X-rays and microwaves. The drug's responsiveness to various stimulants
allows it to be used to treat superficial cancers as well as those
located deep within tissue.

Reduced toxicity for cancer patients A common goal among cancer drug
developers is to reduce damaging side effects caused by treatment. Chen's photosensitizer could reduce two major risks: radiation and exposure
to sunlight.

Radiotherapy is one of the most common cancer medications, but
radiation can cause damage to healthy cells located near the site of
treatment. Because copper cysteamine is activated by X-rays, Chen's
team combined the photosensitizer with radiotherapy techniques to reduce radioactive doses and side effects. The results were promising.

"The copper cysteamine ensured the effectiveness of the radiotherapy
treatment at lower doses of radiation," Chen said. "Our research
demonstrates that copper cysteamine could be applied to radiotherapy
in a clinical setting and result in a safer treatment for patients."
Most photosensitizers are very toxic under sunlight, requiring patients
to be protected from light for some time after treatment. Chen's research revealed that the copper cysteamine photosensitizer does not produce
toxic reactive oxygen species under sunlight and could reduce patients'
risk of light exposure post-treatment.

"Our goal is to develop a method of PDT that is potent and safe,"
Chen said.

"This new material will open the door to more
effective treatment for a range of cancer diagnoses." ========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by
University_of_Texas_at_Arlington. Note: Content may be edited for style
and length.


========================================================================== Journal References:
1. Y. Wang, N.D. Alkhaldi, N.K. Pandey, L. Chudal, L.Y. Wang,
L.W. Lin, M.B.

Zhang, Y.X. Yong, E.H. Amador, M.N. Huda, W. Chen. A new type of
cuprous- cysteamine sensitizers: Synthesis, optical properties
and potential applications. Materials Today Physics, 2021; 19:
100435 DOI: 10.1016/ j.mtphys.2021.100435
2. Xiangyu Chen, Jiayi Liu, Ya Li, Nil Kanatha Pandey, Taili Chen,
Lingyun
Wang, Eric Horacio Amador, Weijun Chen, Feiyue Liu, Enhua Xiao,
Wei Chen.

Study of copper-cysteamine based X-ray induced photodynamic therapy
and its effects on cancer cell proliferation and migration in a
clinical mimic setting. Bioactive Materials, 2022; 7: 504 DOI:
10.1016/ j.bioactmat.2021.05.016 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210930140722.htm

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